Stepping back from social media has become more common, but how to delete Instagram account can still feel complicated. Meta has combined many settings into the Accounts Center, which means older instructions you find online may not match what you see in the app.
This guide shows you how to delete Instagram account current process for permanently deleting an Instagram profile, along with steps to take before you begin.
Before You Delete Your Account
Instagram allows 30 days after submitting a deletion request before removing anything permanently. After that time, your posts, messages, highlights, saved items, and tags are erased. If you want to keep a copy of your content, make sure to download your data first.
How to Save a Backup of Your Instagram Data
- Open your profile and tap the three-line menu.
- Go to Your Activity.
- Scroll until you see Download your information.
- Select Request a download and then Complete copy.
- Instagram will prepare a file and notify you when it’s ready.
Once your archive is downloaded, you can proceed with deletion.
Method 1: How to delete Instagram Account Through the Mobile App (iOS & Android)
Since Instagram’s settings are now inside Meta’s Accounts Center, the deletion option is a bit harder to find.
- From your profile, tap the menu icon.
- Choose Settings and Privacy.
- At the top, open Accounts Center.
- Scroll to Account Settings, then select Personal details.
- Tap Account ownership and control.
- Choose Deactivation or deletion.
- Pick the Instagram account you want to remove if you have multiple accounts linked.
- Change the option from Deactivate to Delete account and then tap Continue.
- Provide your reason, enter your password, and confirm your request.
Method 2: How to delete Instagram Account from a Computer
The desktop version is simpler because it takes you directly to the deletion page.
- Sign in at instagram.com using the account you want to delete.
- Visit the permanent-deletion page by entering: instagram.com/accounts/remove/request/permanent/
- Select a reason from the list.
- Provide your password to verify your identity.
- Submit your deletion request.
If You Forgot Your Password
Instagram won’t remove an account unless the owner verifies the password. If you can’t remember it, use Forgot Password on the login screen to reset it via email or phone before you try to delete your account.
What Happens After You Submit the Request?
- Days 0–30: Your account becomes invisible to others, but Meta keeps it in a temporary deletion state.
- After Day 30: All data linked to the account is removed permanently.
- Active Apple subscriptions: If you bought Meta Verified through the App Store, you must cancel the subscription in Settings and then in Subscriptions on your iPhone before deletion.
- Connected Meta services: Accounts linked to Oculus/Quest may show warnings about access or purchases.j
- Out-of-date app: If you can’t see Accounts Center, update your Instagram app.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Delete Instagram Account
Q: Can I delete my account if I lost my phone?
A: Yes, you can use a web browser on a computer or a friend’s phone to follow the steps on how to delete instagram account outlined in the web browser section above.
Q: Will deleting Instagram delete my Facebook account?
A: No, unless they are strictly linked and you delete the entire Meta account in the Accounts Center. Usually, you select only the Instagram profile during the process.
Q: How long does it take for my data to disappear?
A: The deletion process begins after 30 days and may take up to 90 days to completely remove all content from backup systems, though it is inaccessible to you or others during this time.
Would you like me to guide you on how to deactivate your account temporarily instead, just in case you aren’t ready for a permanent delete?
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